Abortion Stories From Prince Edward Island

Menu

Jane Doe 16

My story: I was in my third year of University when I found out I was pregnant. It was surreal and I was instantly excited. I had never exercised in my head that my body was capable of this. After all, I was 22 and life was simple.

–
I wasn’t excited for long. My partners reaction was similar to my own except “not right now”. I was dizzy. How could I let this happen? I was in healthcare, I should know better. How could I support a child? I had no money, insufficient education, no supports. I pictured bringing children into a world with stability and to provide nutritional meals, opportunity to play sports and all things children should have.

–
I booked an appointment. Knowing there were pills with the ability to induce miscarriage, I requested this but was denied due to physician discomfort. I was also unable to obtain 2 physician notes to access abortion service at the QEH II. Embarrassment drove me to keep me from delving any further.

–
I called the Morgantaler clinic and quickly learned they only provided their service on Tuesdays. Tuesday’s were days I could not miss in school or else I would risk being dismissed. However spring break would soon be here. And so I waited. 5 weeks and 3 days I waited.

–
Like many, I debated my decision. Was it the right one? Would I be fine? Was I lesser of a person for choosing to get rid of “my problem”? I didn’t need anyone’s opinion, because I had my own and beat myself up enough.

–
The day came, my best friend drove me over and reassured me the whole way it was my choice and I wasn’t alone. Upon arrival at the clinic, there were people with signs. They blocked the entrance waving their images of dead babies at me. They swarmed our vehicle calling me a whore and saying I would go to hell for killing my child. Others offered me help and pleaded not to go in. Clinic staff wearing orange quickly escorted us safely inside.

–
To my surprise it was packed. The routine order was done, consents, blood tests, ultrasound, payment. And 5 of us were given robes and say in a room like an assembly line. I learned about these girls, after one had started conversation. There was myself, a yoga teacher, an 18 year old, a drug user, a mother with already too many children and a girl who had been raped.

–
We were all there on our different circumstance, and yet all for the same reason. These girls provided me calm when I felt as though I was in hell.

–
The procedure was painful, relieving, grief provoking, and felt very final.

–
I left and returned home and life went back to how it has always been. I often forget about that choice I made, but when I am reminded the guilt comes back. I don’t think that will ever change. Although I made this decision and felt it was best for me, I still experienced a loss for which there is no compassion or understanding given. I grieved in silence and in a way accepted this, as though I deserved to for the choice I made.

–
Whether people approve or not, this is a still a reality and needs to be addressed.